South Africa’s government has assured that its HIV/AIDS treatment program remains fully funded for the current financial year, despite the recent withdrawal of U.S. support.
- South Africa’s government confirmed full funding for its HIV/AIDS treatment program despite U.S. support withdrawal.
- The country remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted medication access for patients, serving 7.7 million individuals living with HIV.
- Specialized health centers serving marginalized communities also face risks due to the cessation of PEPFAR support.
South Africa’s government has assured that its HIV/AIDS treatment program remains fully funded for the current financial year, despite the recent withdrawal of U.S. support.
Authorities emphasised that patients will continue to receive their medication without interruption.
The country bears the highest HIV burden globally, with an estimated 7.7 million South Africans living with the virus as of 2023. In 2024, South Africa also received $250 million in funding, the largest share of global HIV/AIDS assistance.
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Aid suspension triggers funding shortfall
Until recently, about 17% of the country’s HIV/AIDS program funding came from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a key source of international support that has now been suspended, according to reported
However, the suspension of that support by former President Donald Trump in January has created a funding shortfall of 7.5 billion rand ($414 million).
South Africa’s National Treasury has set aside funds to ensure the continued supply of antiretroviral drugs.
However, Deputy President Paul Mashatile told lawmakers that the U.S. had been covering workers’ salaries at rural community health centres, and the end of that support now poses a risk of job losses.
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In addition to staffing support, PEPFAR and USAID have funded specialised centres that serve marginalised groups who often face barriers to care in public health facilities, including gay and bisexual men, transgender individuals, and sex workers.
Deputy President Mashatile said the government is now exploring more affordable antiretroviral drug options.
Meanwhile, a team led by Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Blade Nzimande is assessing strategies to secure alternative funding for AIDS research previously supported by the U.S.
